Team Bath Netball ready to “right the wrongs” as Thunder visit for first of four home Superleague games in April
Head Coach Anna Stembridge says Team Bath Netball are looking forward to “righting the wrongs” of their first Vitality Superleague away defeat of 2017 when they play host to Manchester Thunder this week.
The Blue and Gold – sponsored by Sitec – were beaten 51-45 in Glasgow by new Scottish franchise Sirens on Friday but they have responded positively to their two previous losses this season, going on to win their following matches.
They will be looking to do that once again when they welcome top-four rivals Thunder to the University of Bath Sports Training Village on Friday (7.45pm) for the first of four home matches during April.
Stembridge said: “The loss to Sirens definitely hurt but we have regrouped, reflected, learnt from the game and are excited about having the opportunity to right the wrongs in front of our wonderful fans.
“Sirens certainly meant business after their loss to Severn Stars a few days earlier and they were 15-10 up after the first quarter but we responded well across all areas of our game to win the second period 17-10 and lead 27-25 at half-time.
“We made changes to help the team push on but unfortunately, due to a few missed shots and errors by us plus Sirens’ shooters being right on point, they edged ahead again at the end of the third quarter.
“There was still all to play for in the final period and both teams came out of the blocks firing but, with minimal possession being exchanged by either team, we just couldn’t quite break Sirens’ lead.”
Next up for the Blue and Gold are a Thunder outfit who, despite a high turnover of players during the close season, have started 2017 in fine form and are once again strong contenders for a top-four finish.
“Thunder are certainly not a team to underestimate,” said Stembridge. “While there was much talk about who they may have lost in the off season, they still have a core group of quality seasoned players in the likes of captain Emma Dovey and former Silver Ferns player Liana Leota, as well as some exciting youngsters like England U21 international Gabi Marshall.
“This match is going to be another great one to watch in a season which continues to be hotly contested, not only between the top four positions but across all ten.”
As well as Thunder, Team Bath also face crucial home matches during April against Hertfordshire Mavericks (Friday 14, 7.45pm), Celtic Dragons (Saturday 22, 5pm) and Severn Stars (Friday 28, 7.45pm).
Tickets for all home games are priced £12 for adults, £8 concessions and £35 for a family ticket. They can be purchased at www.teambath.com/events/ticketline or by calling 0844 888 4412.
Friday’s match will be preceded by the first match of the new U21 Netball Performance League season, also against Manchester Thunder. That game gets under way at 5.15pm, also in the Team Bath Arena, and entry is free.
Team Bath Netball are sponsored by Sitec, Mogers Drewett are their Education Partners, Centurion Wealth Management are supporting the team’s performance analysis capabilities, Surridge are the kit supplier and Skins provide the team with compression wear.
